Quick answer
Maryland has lower average 1BR rent ($1,550/mo vs $1,600/mo). State income tax: Washington (None) vs Maryland (Up to 5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $6,900/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Maryland vs Washington
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Maryland vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Maryland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,550 ✓ | $1,600 |
| Avg median home price | $315K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Spokane ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 68/100 ✓ | 62/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Washington (None).
Salary $80K
$4,600
/year saved in Washington
Salary $120K
$6,900
/year saved in Washington
Salary $200K
$11,500
/year saved in Washington
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Maryland (MD)
Tax reality
Maryland has a progressive state income tax up to 5.75% plus a local county tax (1.75-3.2% depending on county — Montgomery County is 3.2%). Combined state+local top rate is around 9% for high earners in DC suburbs. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax below $5M.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Maryland state + local income tax combined hits 9% for high earners in Montgomery County — among the highest in the US.
- ✕Baltimore city has real violent crime — top-5 US city for homicide per capita. Specific neighborhoods are safe; others have serious crime. Visitors and new residents should research neighborhoods carefully.
- ✕DC-suburb traffic is notorious — I-270, I-495 (Beltway), and US-29 are all regularly gridlocked. Metro Red Line offers an alternative for some commuters but has reliability issues.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Washington cheaper to live in?
Maryland has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,550/mo vs $1,600/mo in Washington, a $50/mo difference. Home prices: Maryland median is $315K vs $570K.
Maryland vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Washington has lower state income tax (None) vs Up to 5.75% in Maryland. On an $80K salary that's $4,600/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $11,500/year.
Should I move from Maryland to Washington?
Maryland has a progressive state income tax up to 5.75% plus a local county tax (1.75-3.2% depending on county — Montgomery County is 3.2%). Combined state+local top rate is around 9% for high earners in DC suburbs. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax below $5M.
What are the best cities in Maryland vs Washington?
Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Maryland suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.